Our Instructors
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Kim Bates
PIANO
Kim is an award winning pianist with over thirty years of teaching experience. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music at Rhodes College, Master of Music in Piano Performance at The University of Alabama, and Master of Music Education at Samford University. She has experience teaching piano to students ages 4 through adult, and has taught school music at the elementary and secondary levels. Kim is passionate about helping students develop musical minds, hearts, and hands.
Certifications and Memberships: Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), TEA certified Music K-12 educator, Central Texas Area Music Teachers Association.
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Krista Eshbaugh
VOICE/PIANO/CHOIR DIRECTOR
Krista received her Bachelor of Music Education from Stetson University, FL and her Masters of Music from University of Miami, FL. Her choir and musical theater teaching experiences have been with students in grades K-12 and college. She has been teacher, choir director, music director or choreographer for youth musicals at the UMHB Conservatory of Music, the Cultural Activities Center, Providence Preparatory School, Academy High School and Temple Civic Theatre.
Besides her passion for giving people of all ages the confidence and skills to grow as performers, she strives to help her students develop a deep love and appreciation of the arts.
Certifications and Memberships: Texas Choral Directors Association (TCDA), Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA)
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Johanna Escoe
VOICE | PIANO
Johanna has a Bachelors degree in Music Education from University of Texas at Arlington. She has 7 years of experience teaching early childhood and elementary students in both classroom and private lesson settings. She is a vocalist of 20 years and has performed in UTA's "West Side Story'', "Die Fledermaus", and UTA's A Capella Choir. She currently sings on the worship team at Grace Church Salado.
Johanna loves to see her students gain confidence in their musical skills and abilities which she believes also strengthens their confidence in life. She loves teaching her students a lifelong love for music and seeing their faces light up with joy!
Certifications and Memberships: Orff Level 1 Certified, Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA)
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Evan Griffith
Guitar / Bass Guitar
Evan Griffith teaches acoustic, electric and bass guitar. He has been playing guitar and bass for nearly a decade. Evan is experienced in live and studio performance and recording and plays in multiple bands from Louisiana to Texas. He began teaching private lessons in 2020. Evan is a Temple College studying music performance. He specializes in playing and teaching jazz, rock, country, and blues music on guitar and bass. He works hard to create a strong foundation in his students’ musical knowledge while tailoring the learning experience to whatever genre or style the student wishes to pursue.
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Ernie Lopez
PERCUSSION | PIANO
Ernie Lopez is starting his second year teaching at Salado Conservatory and starting his senior year of college. Ernie attends the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor where he is pursuing a degree in Music Education and a minor in Pedagogy & Professional Practices in music. Ernie plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin for a Masters in Jazz Studies. He has been studying and playing percussion since he was eleven. Ernie is also a jazz pianist and has played at numerous jazz festivals and competitions around the country. He has played and worked with some of the leading jazz musicians in the field.
As an instructor, Ernie will develop technique and push his students to the absolute best while making music and having fun.
Ernie is in demand as a teacher, performer and music collaborator at the local and state level.
Certifications and Memberships: Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA)
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Isabelle Smith
THEATRE ARTS: ACTING /VOCALS / CHOIR DIRECTOR
Isabelle obtained a Performing Arts and Christian Studies degree at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB). She is currently completing a Master of Arts in Theatre at Regent University. She worked in the Belton Independent School District for the 2021-2022 school year and received a Big Red Heart Award for her dedication to the students.
While at UMHB, she performed in multiple operas and musicals, participated in the Student Chapter for the National Association of Teachers of Singing (SNATS) and served as president her senior year. She also sang with University Singers. Before moving to Texas, Isabelle participated in more than thirty productions with several theatre companies, including The 5th Avenue, Edmonds Driftwood Players, Taproot Theatre, and Edmonds Heights Performing Arts. During her years with the 5th Avenue Theatre Rising Star Project, she was trained to do hair/make-up/wigs, sound design, and costuming by members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.
Isabelle desires to share her passion for the stage and storytelling with her students and strives to inspire joy and confidence in every part of performing, from auditions to the final bow.
Certifications and Memberships: International Thespian Society.
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Doug Uyechi
GUITAR/BASS/UKULELE
Doug has 30 years of playing experience on bass, acoustic and electric guitar. He has played in a wide variety of musical settings from jazz trios to rock bands to praise and worship teams. He currently leads the worship team at Grace Church Jarrell .
Doug’ loves to help students discover the joy beyond just playing and instrument. the joy of unique expression and creativity.
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Kimberly Uyechi
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PERCUSSION/ADVENTURES IN MUSIC/PIANO/GUITAR
Kimberly has a Bachelors degree in Education from Baylor University. She has 30 years of experience teaching early childhood and elementary students in the classroom and in after-school music enrichment programs. She is a percussionist of 37 years and has played in the Baylor University Golden Wave Band, the Baylor Symphonic Band and Courtside Players. She currently plays drums for the worship team at First Baptist Church of Salado.
Kimberly loves to see her students gain new skills. She enjoys working with children, putting an instrument in their hands and watching them delight in making “music”. She also enjoys teaching aspiring drummers. Her heart beats with the rhythm of a drum.
Certifications and Memberships: Member of the Percussive Arts Society, Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA)